Report shows drought lessening in most of Iowa

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) -- More drenching rain and heavy snow are pulling most of Iowa out of drought conditions.

In a report released Thursday, the state Department of Natural Resources says storms in mid-April largely ended the drought in the eastern half of Iowa. Rain also lessened drought conditions in western Iowa.

Although heavy rain and snow moving through the state Thursday and Friday don't show up on this report, the DNR noted that conditions would clearly improve due to the precipitation.

The report also shows shallow groundwater levels improved in the last two weeks in northwest, southwest and north central Iowa.

Stream flows in most rivers were normal, though some in eastern Iowa were above normal.